Analysis
HTS 3802.90.20 covers activated clays and activated earths under heading 3802 (activated carbon; activated natural mineral products; animal black, including spent…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from 4.8% to 5.8%. The costliest confusion would be with 3802.90.10 (other: bone black) at 5.8%, a difference of 3.3 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 2.5% of the customs value, which is at the low end of the rates in chapter 38 (27th percentile of 179 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $250 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, and 12 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 2.5%. It is also eligible under GSP, the developing-country programme, which Congress has to renew; check whether GSP is in force on the entry date.
The other lines in the same group are 3802.90.10 (other: bone black, 5.8%) and 3802.90.50 (other: other, 4.8%).
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3802.90.10 | Other: bone black | 5.8% |
| 3802.90.50 | Other: other | 4.8% |